Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has urged Newcastle United not to cash in on Chris Wood. Reports in recent weeks have linked the 31-year-old with a return to Leeds United.
Wood enjoyed one of the finest goalscoring spells at Elland Road before earning a Premier League move to Burnley in 2017. An impressive 44 strikes in 88 games inspired Sean Dyche to stump up around £15million.
The New Zealand international would soon become an established top-flight striker and, after five years at Turf Moor, Newcastle turned to him in their time of desperate need. Plunged in a relegation fight, the Magpies triggered his £25million release clause in January.
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The severity of Callum Wilson’s calf injury forced Toon chiefs to act and Wood did a job until the number nine returned. While earning praise for his teamwork and off-the-ball duties, the 31-year-old has struggled to replicate his goalscoring exploits at St James’ Park.
Just four goals in 33 games has hardly set Tyneside alight and there is already talk of another exit next month. Speaking to Football Insider, ex-ENgland international Agbonlahor has dispelled those claims, insisting Newcastle should stick by their man.
“Newcastle are at the stage where they will want to keep a big squad of players,” he said. “Chris Wood came on and scored in their game against Southampton before the break.
“Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson have injury problems. I don’t think there’s any need to sell him. For what you are going to get for him, why would you not just keep him? I don’t think selling him will be an option.”
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